Down Pipe Repair, Installation and MaintenanceBrisbane

Down Pipes and guttering are an important feature of your roof. The primary function of down pipes and guttering is to eliminate water that is caught on your roof during rainfall. The pitch and size of your roof will play a large role in determining how much water is collected and how quickly it can be drained away, but it is your guttering and downpipes that direct the water to either recycled water collection tanks or storm water drainage.

In recent years, the choices that home and business owners have when it comes to down pipes and guttering has increased immensely. Size, colour and manufacturing materials can all be chosen to provide a specific look and feel, as well as provide protection for your home against flooding. This is especially important to Brisbane locals, as the storm season can bring torrential downpours. As a home owner, you want to have peace of mind knowing that when that happens, your roof and gutter will hold up to this test of the elements.

Different Types of Downpipes

BP Roofing have a wide range of options when it comes to selection of down pipes for new roof builds and repairs and restorations. We can also help you choose the right colours and styles to suit your homes exterior and improve curb appeal. Whether your style is ultra modern or traditional, you can be sure that the team at BP roofing can assist with your down pipe and guttering selections.

Sizes

Downpipes come in a number of different sizes. The required size of the down pipes for your home will be dependent on the architectural features of your home, including the pitch of your roof and size of your pitches. Also, the amount of rain, and how fast that rain falls will dictate what size pipe will suit your needs. In Brisbane, extreme rain can come quickly and without warning. It is imperative that your guttering and down pipes are able to handle the worst that our Queensland climate can throw at us. Talk to one of our friendly experts to find out more.

Materials

In recent years, the different types of materials that are being used to manufacture down pipes has increased immensely. A range of plastic, alloys and metals can be used. Each material comes along with its own features and benefits. If you would like to find out more about what down pipe construction material is right for you then feel free to reach out.

Down Pipe Colours

Most manufacturers offer a huge range of painting and powder coating options for the guttering and down pipes. This is to ensure that you can exactly match the colour of your roof features to your home’s exterior, whether it is brick, render, stone or weatherboard. Choosing the right colours is important as this will have a big impact on the aesthetic of your home or commercial property. Whilst gutters and down pipes can be painted if you don’t like their existing colour, it is always easier to get the colour right the first time around.

Common Problems with Down Pipes and Guttering

Downpipes, like all building materials and processes can sometimes have problems. These problems can be caused by a number of different factors, however with the help of an experienced and qualified roofing professional, like BP Roofing, you can be sure that any problem you have is repaired quickly and cost effectively.

Leaking

If you notice that your down pipes are leaking, then there could be a number of reasons for this. In most cases, the leakage is happening because the waterproofing or sealants have deteriorated. This is quite easily remedied with the reapplication of water proofers or sealants. However, leakages could indicate a more serious problem. If resealing the joins in your guttering and down pipes doesn’t solve the problem, it is best to get the help of an experienced roofing professional that will be able identify the cause of the problem and advise of the best ways to fix it.

Blockages

Another common issue with down pipes is that of blockages. The gutters on your roof are designed to catch water, however they are also very good at catching fallen leaves and tree matter, dirt and debris, which can make their way into your down pipes causing water to not run as freely, or completely blocking the down pipe. This can cause a lot of damage to your home, as the water becomes trapped and is at risk of overloading the guttering or being blown back into your roof cavity. Most blockages can be easily avoided with routine maintenance. Home owners should always make an effort to keep their gutters free from debris, as it will increase the effectiveness of your water removal system

Rust and Oxidisation

Most roof guttering is made of metal. The metals used for guttering and downpipes are specially coated to minimise rust and oxidisation and extend their lifespan. However, over time with exposure to the elements these coatings can become less effective and rust may occur. If this is the case for you, the good news is that you don’t necessarily need to consider replacing gutters and downpipes. Often, areas affected by rust can been brushed back to remove any rust and re-primed and sealed in a matching colour. Whilst the fix here is simple, if left alone it can cause some major damage, and increase the potential for roof leaks to occur. If you notice any rust on your down pipes or guttering, it is best to get this inspected by a roofing professional to ensure that it can be repaired quickly and minimise the risk of further damage to your home.

Cracking and Splitting

Sometimes down pipes, especially when they are made of plastics such as PVC, can become brittle as they age. This is due to a number of factors including exposure to the elements, sun, wind and even extreme temperatures. If your down pipes are cracking or splitting, there might be a chance to repair them however this should be considered as a short-term solution. A full replacement of your down pipes will ensure that they are always working in top condition.

Incorrect Installation/Product Selection

Unfortunately, some builders don’t always get it right. BP Roofing have helped many Brisbane residents who have found that the gutter and down pipe system that had been installed into their home is incorrect. The sizing and materials that make up your down pipe and guttering system should be selected very specifically. Many factors such as location, climate and roof size and pitch all go into deciding what type of down pipes are right for your needs. If you have any questions or concerns around your installed down pipes then reach out to one of our experts to discuss your needs and find out how we might be able to help.